SCOUT ACTIVITIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 88, 19 June 1946, Page 5

SCOUT ACTIVITIES

WHAKATANE CITIZEN’S TROOP WEEKEND CAMP AT ROTOMA Continuing the monthly church parade, the Citizens Troop recently attended Knox Church, accompanied by the County and District Commissioners. The next church parade will be at the Methodist Church on June 30. A very successful weekend camp has just been held at the Rotoma Scout camp site, when the troop was able to carry out a full programme of training. This camp was novel in many respects. Held in the middle of winter, it was the first taste of camping for many of the boys, and also the majority made the journey on push bikes. The keenness of the cyclists is to be admired, especially in view of the fact that some of the boys took part in local football matches on Saturday afternoon, and tackled the 30 mile journey afterwards. These/lads (tough guys) arrived in camp well after dark, but were in time to take part in the camp-fire proceedings, which included the devouring of fresh cooked Kura which had fallen victims + o the fishermen of the troop. A varied programme of training had been drawn up, and all boys entered into the “game” with a will. The patrol system was the order of the day, and many scouts were able to pass their cooking tests without actually making a special effort. Arriving at the camp site in the early afternoon, no time was lost in collecting firewood and making preparations for the evening meal which consisted of steak and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried scones and tea. A lot was said about the steak, and the butcher’s ears must have been very red at that particular time, as the cooks would not any blame whatsoever, claiming that Mum could not have done better. The all important camp fire was lit at 7 p.m,, and at 9 o’clock after cocoa and sandwiches had been duly dealt with the boys (the tired ones it seemed) settled down in the hut which is the permanent feature of the camp site.

Up at dawn on Sunday (some were already up and about) fires were kindled and preparations for breakfast were soon on the way. No complaints about their good friend the butcher this time. All were glad to say grace over wheatbix and hot milk, rissoles and chipped potatoes, toast (buttered) tea or cocoa as preferred.

A ‘Scouts Own’ service was held, several of the patrol leaders conducting part of the proceedings. Opportunity wa § also taken at thi§ gathering of investing two boys who had recently passed the Tenderfoot tests. ' '

The rest of the morning was utilised in serious training for proficiency badges and at 12.30 p.m. dinner which had been prepared by two of the seniop boys was served. Many remarks were heard from all quarters about the dumplings in lamb and green pea stew, but as second helpings soon emptied the large pot, the cooks felt that it was safe to emerge from behind the smoke screen of their fire.

The early, part of the afternoon was given over to games and alter a drink and snack at 3 p.m., the cyclists mounted their fiery ste* os and to the accompaniment of cheers from their mates, started off on the journey home. Results: No accidents, a lot of clean decent fun, and a deepening, of the friendships made in Scouting.